Derby County are reportedly interested in signing a Championship midfielder.
After Paul Warne appeared downbeat about their chances of signing a striker in this transfer window, many supporters felt the club weren’t going to do any more business.
Warne wanted to bring in Michael Smith on loan from Sheffield Wednesday and while that was a move that benefitted both parties, Derby couldn’t match the loan fee demanded for the 32-year-old.
A hunt for a striker has been their priority since signing Corey Blackett-Taylor from Charlton Athletic, but the Rams’ pool of players is fewer than their promotion rivals who can afford to fork out fees for players.
Derby have already watched Peterborough United successfully swoop for one of their targets as Michael Olakigbe joined the Posh on loan from Brentford.
Fortunately, Warne has plenty of cover on the wing, especially with the arrival of Blackett-Taylor.
The Rams boss, however, could do with more depth in central midfield and an update has emerged in their surprise swoop of a Championship talent.
Derby County are interested in Cardiff City’s Ebou Adams
Derby have been keeping a close eye on the central midfielders available in the market.
Warne is currently limited with the options he has at his disposal and has often used Conor Hourihane and Max Bird as a double pivot in recent weeks.
Many sections of the fanbase have been calling for the club to invest in a defensive-minded midfielder who can win possession back.
There isn’t anyone at Derby who fits that profile, aside from Tyrese Fornah perhaps, which is why Derby have shown an interest in signing Cardiff’s Ebou Adams, as reported by Leigh Curtis.
Adams is currently on AFCON duty with The Gambia but has made 11 appearances for the Bluebirds in the Championship this term.
A former League Two title winner with Forest Green, the 28-year-old could be the exact signing that Derby are craving.
Adams can complement Hourihane and Bird
Although Bird and Hourihane possess an abundance of technical qualities, they need a player alongside them who can do the dirty work.
A ball-winner such as Adams could help massively in their quest to dominate matches.
Several teams have found it easy to play through Derby’s midfield this season and it’s an issue that the arrival of the Cardiff star could fix.
He’s tenacious, strong in the tackle and could perfectly complement the technical attributes of Bird and Hourihane.
Having often lost the middle battle, especially in recent weeks, the arrival of Adams can see them turn those losses into wins while strengthening their chances of winning promotion.